Vol. 9, Issue 2, October 2009

Engineering Spearheads New Curriculum on Alternative Energy

The first course in a new School of Engineering concentration on alternative and renewable energy begins this fall with about 25 students enrolled in An Introduction to Alternative Energy.

Offered by the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, the new track allows students to earn a Bachelor of Electrical Engineering degree with a concentration in alternative energy systems.

“The introduction of the new Alternative and Renewable Energy track is timely because of the urgent need for alternative sources to address future energy shortages,” said Charles Nguyen, dean of the School of Engineering.

Engineering School Establishes Articulation Agreement with Community College

Catholic University’s School of Engineering has teamed up with Anne Arundel Community College to help ensure a smooth transition for students transferring into CUA’s bachelor of engineering program.

Under an articulation agreement signed in August, students from the community college in Arnold, Md., can transfer up to 60 credits from an Associate of Science in Engineering degree to Catholic University and enter one of five engineering programs — biomedical, civil, mechanical, electrical or computer science — as a junior.

“By formalizing our relationship with the community college, we are putting students on the right path for admission to Catholic University and to long-term success in engineering,” said Charles Nguyen, dean of engineering.

CUA's Biomedical Engineering Signs Collaborative Agreement with FDA

After collaborating informally for 10 years, Catholic University’s Department of Biomedical Engineering has formalized its successful working relationship with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

CUA’s School of Engineering signed a memorandum of understanding with the Department of Health and Human Services in late August, agreeing to share facilities and equipment and collaborate on research. The FDA is an agency within the Department of Health and Human Services.

Tran Appointed Assistant Dean for School of Engineering

Binh Q. Tran, associate professor and chair of biomedical engineering, has been appointed assistant dean of the School of Engineering beginning fall 2009. In this newly created role, Tran manages the day-to-day academic activities for the school in support of the various engineering departments and programs, directs accreditation activities, oversees enrollment efforts, and identifies and implements new strategic initiatives in support of engineering’s strategic plan. Over the summer, Tran initiated efforts to launch the Cardinal Engineer, engineering’s quarterly e-newsletter, and also successfully completed the recently signed articulation agreement with Anne Arundel Community College and collaboration agreement with the Food and Drug Administration.

Contribute to CUA Engineering!

Alumni, parents and friends are contributing to the 2009–2010 Dean's Appeal for Engineering. If you would like to support the School of Engineering, or one of our departments, click on the button below.

Please contact the Office of Annual Giving at 202-319-6906 or annualgiving@cua.edu for more information. Thank you!

Homecoming: October 23, 2009

The Engineering Homecoming Luncheon will be held October 23, 2009, from noon to 1:30 p.m. in Pangborn Hall. If you are attending, R.s.v.p. with Mary Kate Zabroske at 202-319-5178 or zabroske@cua.edu.

The Distinguished Alumni Achievement Award will be presented at the luncheon. For more information, please visit the CUA Homecoming Web site.